Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels.
Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff
******
Setting aside Qingque's illicit affair, Fu Xuan genuinely admired her. The Divination Commission was filled with idle and negligent individuals, but Qingque stood out as uniquely adept at slacking off, almost to the point of developing it into a refined art form—she could have founded her own school of laziness.
At times, Fu Xuan even wondered if Qingque might somehow evade her divinations...
If that were true, based on this ability alone, Qingque would surpass most diviners within the commission.
In this venerable one's ideal future, she herself would become the general. A-Yan would serve as her personal strategist, while Qingque would assume the role of Chief Diviner.
With such demanding responsibilities, Qingque would be overwhelmed, leaving no time for dalliances with traitorous disciples. Naturally, they'd then become this venerable one's personal strategists instead.
Whenever encountering difficulties, Fu Xuan could consult with A-Yan. If problems persisted beyond daylight hours, discussions could continue before bedtime—the convenience of having a close advisor indeed.
Qingque waved her small hand in front of Fu Xuan's face.
"Grand Diviner? What do you think? Are you agreeable to this?"
Fu Xuan fell deep in thought; Qingque's suggestion made sense—unity was strength, and a single tree cannot form a forest.
Rejecting it would mean inviting competition for this venerable one.
Instead, by accepting Qingque as an ally, we could establish a temporary partnership. Once this venerable one has dealt with the other women, then it would be time to settle accounts with Qingque.
With this in mind, Fu Xuan nodded contentedly. "Very well, Qingque, from now on, you shall be this venerable one's ally."
Qingque's lips curved slightly, unable to suppress her delight. "Great, Grand Diviner."
"Now that we're allies, does that mean I can freely slack off at work?"
Fu Xuan chuckled coldly. "Being allies doesn't equate to giving you free rein to slack off."
Qingque pondered with a furrowed brow. "True enough. From now on, I'll definitely work diligently during office hours, never slacking off."
"And after work, I'll spend time with A-Yan, going out on dates, shopping, and watching illusions," she added.
Fu Xuan's expression shifted subtly; when busy, she often worked overtime. By this logic, wouldn't she end up disadvantaged?
"Well, for Luofu's future, this venerable one permits your outings with A-Yan." She paused before adding sternly, "However, slacking off is still not allowed."
Qingque couldn't help but widen her beautiful eyes, surprised that to Lady Fu Xuan, preventing her from slacking off seemed more important than her dating A-Yan.
Just how obsessed are you with catching me slacking off, old lady?
[Lady Herta: Oh right, isn't it illegal to date minors?]
[Do the Xianzhou Alliance authorities just turn a blind eye?]
[Numby's Daily Menu: True, I hadn't considered that.]
[Fu Xuan's Dog: Lady Herta, mind your own damn business first!]
[Lady Herta: Getting agitated, aren't we?]
[Shangshang's Sole Account: No worries, this maiden is also under two hundred years.]
[Nobody else can court Jinyan-gege, but this maiden can!]
[Can't Take Criticism? Don't Play: Heh heh, I'm not from Xianzhou, so their laws don't apply to me.]
[Downpour Coat: As a mannequin, I too am exempt from such regulations.]
[Little Fox's Benefactor: This humble one has just turned eighteen...]
[Downpour Coat: Are you certain?]
[Holding Bright Online: Miss Tingyun, deceiving us is one thing, but don't deceive yourself as well!]
[Invincible Swordsman 123: Everyone, calm down. In truth, our Teacher is already of age.]
[Lady Herta: Of age, huh? How utterly uninteresting.]
[Fu Xuan's Dog: Lady Herta, believe me when I say I'll come after you immediately.]
[Can't Handle It? Don't Play: I've been fed up with Herta for ages too. Let's take her down together.]
[System Alert: Account 'Can't Handle It? Don't Play' has been muted.]
[Cooking Needs Practice: Herta, you ********, you *******]
Seething with frustration, Silver Wolf's two accounts were swiftly banned one after another.
Focusing on her parents and their ancestral roots, she unleashed a torrent of insults against Herta in the live stream chat.
Unsurprisingly, this resulted in yet another account ban.
Silver Wolf could not bear such humiliation. The moment she found an opportunity, she vowed to incite Su Jinyan to teach Herta a lesson. She would ensure that Minister Su glared fiercely enough to impregnate all of Herta's petty schemes, then livestream herself mocking them.
At the Seat of Divine Foresight, Jing Yuan spoke urgently, issuing instructions to the official of the Earthly Balance Division:
"I don't care how you do it; quickly amend Su Jinyan's age in his residence records to two hundred years."
"Don't mention any regulations—Minister Su was already considered an adult before, it's just that his records hadn't been updated accordingly."
Even as a general at the Seat of Divine Foresight, Jing Yuan couldn't alter the laws of the Xianzhou Alliance. However, there was no need to change the laws; updating his age in the records would suffice. Once Su Jinyan was legally recognized as an adult, these baseless accusations would be immediately silenced.
Shortly after Jing Yuan discreetly signaled, Guinaifen handed the microphone to Fu Xuan.
"Lady Fu Xuan, may I interview you?"
"I've heard that in the Xianzhou Alliance, there are strict laws with severe penalties for violating minors' rights. Is this true?"
Fu Xuan cleared her throat. "This venerable one shall clarify today's farce."
"The Xianzhou Alliance indeed has relevant legal provisions."
"Any immortal cultivator under two hundred years is considered a minor by default."
"However, long before A-Yan received the blessing of the Plagues Author, he had already reached adulthood."
"It's just that his age on official records hadn't been updated yet; such delays are quite normal."
Qingque chimed in opportunistically, "If my memory serves me right..."
"The first person whom A-Yan confessed to was Lady Fu Xuan, correct?"
The crowd silently nodded in agreement.
They had witnessed firsthand how swiftly this individual transformed from an obscure junior diviner into someone unattainably esteemed.
Before, other predictors often ignored Su Jinyan, deeming him rather insignificant.
Now, anyone meeting him respectfully addresses him as "Grand Diviner."
Fu Xuan stated mildly, "Therefore, this venerable one and A-Yan share a mutual love."
"We request those unrelated parties not to maliciously speculate."
"Our love is beautiful and pure; let those old foxes stop harboring thoughts about this venerable one's beloved disciple."
[Fengyu Caihong 7854: Wait, Grand Diviner Fu, who exactly are you calling an 'old fox'?]
[Little Fox's Benefactor: Qingque, you've betrayed our friendship.]
[Benefactor's initial confession was clearly directed at yours truly!]
[Have you forgotten that afternoon when our Benefactor asked this humble maiden to start calling him 'husband'?]
Qingque feigned ignorance, scratching her head. "Eh? Was there such a thing?"
"I didn't know either; but from what I recall, Lady Fu Xuan is indeed A-Yan's first love."
[Fengyu Caihong 7854: Tingyun, how did you manage to turn such a favorable situation into this mess?]
[Genius Hacker Maiden: Truly pathetic. It's only because I'm not interested in Su Jinyan.]
[If our roles were reversed, I'd have whisked him off to another planet long ago. These women wouldn't stand a chance!]
[Little Fox's Benefactor: ...]
Unfazed, Qingque continued, "Lady Fu Xuan, as his first love, surely you must be the unattainable ideal he cherishes, like the light of the moon?"
Maintaining a dignified expression, Fu Xuan nodded and said, "Naturally."
Qingque pondered briefly before adding, "Then among all those other women, one by one, they're mere losers compared to you."
The corners of Fu Xuan's lips curved slightly upward. "Indeed, it stands to reason."
[Downpour Coat: Observing the Divination Commission, it seems rife with sycophants, with Qingque being the most prominent.]
[Little Fox's Benefactor: This humble maiden can't bear it anymore. Can someone silence Qingque?]
[Shangshang's Sole Account: Wow, never thought Lady Fu Xuan would actually be Jinyan-gege's unattainable ideal, akin to the light of the moon?]
[Is Jinyan-gege also Lady Fu Xuan's first love then?]
Fu Xuan's cheeks flushed slightly. "And if he is, so what?"
[Shangshang's Sole Account: It might be embarrassing to admit.]
[Apologies, Grand Diviner, but I inadvertently sullied your first love.]
[Genius Hacker Girl: Laughing to death, you sure know how to play both sides.]
[Shangshang's Sole Account: Hey, I'm genuinely apologizing here!]
Internally seething, Fu Xuan thought, This venerable one won't stoop to idiots' level.
If Phantylia hadn't possessed you back then, would you even have a voice here now?
Qingque frowned; Miss Sushang was proving quite troublesome. Even she couldn't immediately devise a good strategy to deal with her.
[Lady Herta: Broadcaster, ask him who his favorite woman is.]
Guinaifen handed the microphone to Su Jinyan. "Mr. Su Jinyan, I'd like to pose a question for an interview."
"Among all these women, who is your absolute favorite?"
"You're not allowed to say you like them all equally—choose just one as your most favored."
Little Gui'zi really has some nerve, daring to ask me such questions? Seeking drama, aren't we?
Under Fu Xuan's expectant gaze, Su Jinyan slowly responded:
"It doesn't harm anyone to tell you. My favorite woman is my mother."
Guinaifen replied, "Uh... That's a flawless answer, just enough to let you pass."
[Today's Dumpster Diving: Who could've anticipated Kafka winning the competition this way?]
[Zhao Camera: Can we please stop fixating on that tired joke?!]
[Genius Hacker Girl: Kafka said she isn't Su Jinyan's mother.]
[Today's Dumpster Diving: I understand; if I had such a rebellious son, I wouldn't claim him either.]
[Little Fox's Benefactor: Just between us, Lady Yukong and I discussed it, and we've decided to cancel your Astral Express travel fees.]
[Today's Dumpster Diving: I get it too; with such an exceptional son, I'd eagerly want him to marry Miss Tingyun.]
[This couple, with their perfect blend of talents and beauty, is truly heaven-made for each other. Su Jinyan should indeed wed Miss Tingyun.]
[Divine Sword Arahato: ...]
[Zhao Camera: Uncle Yang, I'm scared.]
[I Once Fed Nanook Grass: Chameleon, scientifically known as chamaeleonidae, refers to a group of reptiles within the lizard family.]
[Han Tui Uncle: Tell me honestly, where did you bury Nanook? I also want to pay my respects.]
[I Once Fed Nanook Grass: ?]
Qingque pondered briefly before whispering something to Fu Xuan.
Fu Xuan's cheeks flushed red as she quietly asked, "Qingque, isn't this too embarrassing? Are you sure A-Yan will appreciate it?"
With sincerity, Qingque replied, "I can't say for certain if he'll like it or not."
"But if you say these words and receive A-Yan's acknowledgment..."
"Other women would have to keep their distance from you henceforth."
Fu Xuan approached Su Jinyan and took his large hand gently.
"A-Yan, do you miss home?" she asked softly. "It's alright; from now on, I can be your mother."
Taken aback, Su Jinyan knelt down, silently closed his eyes, and buried his face in Fu Xuan's embrace.
From Shizun emanated a delightful milky fragrance, sweet and rich, almost as if she had been soaked in milk. He recognized this scent from Bailu as well. However, the aroma from Bailu's delicate body was more akin to medicinal notes than pure milkiness.
In contrast, the milky fragrance on Shizun felt purer and more inviting, easily drawing one into its warmth.
As Fu Xuan held Su Jinyan, a sense of satisfaction swelled within her.
Perfect, perfect—now those wicked women will always keep their distance from this venerable one.
And who else but Qingque could pull off such remarkable laziness? Among the many idle members of the Divination Commission, only she stood out with her unparalleled knack for slacking off. This crafty individual was practically on the verge of developing a methodology and founding a school dedicated to her art!
Only someone as shameless as Qingque could come up with such a cunning scheme.
[Posting Under Real Name: Honestly, I'm starting to worry about Luofu's future.]
[Invincible Swordsman 123: General, Grand Diviner Fu might be unreliable, but you can fully trust Yanqing.]
[Little Fox's Benefactor: Benefactor, don't let those deceitful women fool you!]
[Fengyu Caihong 7854: Grand Diviner Fu, if you keep this up, I'll have to defend my dear Tingyun's honor.]
[Snowy Overcoat: Grand Diviner Fu, stop escalating; at this rate, everyone will vie to become 'mom'.]
Su Jinyan suddenly lifted his head and fixed an intense gaze directly into Guinaifen's camera lens.
"I am aware that recently, many ill-intentioned individuals have been investigating my background."
"Jepella Brotherhood, consider this your only warning—there won't be a next time."
"I can make Jinxing Huozu Nanook pregnant, and just as easily induce a miscarriage—the same goes for any of you."
"And if anyone dares to meddle behind my back again..."
Before he could finish, the live stream audience, which had numbered in the billions, instantly plummeted to mere thousands.
Taken aback, Su Jinyan thought, F*ck, why did they all run so fast?
Have they learned to anticipate my moves now? And what kind of peculiar fetishes do these remaining viewers have?
Next time, there won't be any build-up—I'll start glaring straight away.
Gently holding Fu Xuan's delicate hand, Su Jinyan said softly, "Shizun."
"With your status alone, you already surpass many others."
Using such titles privately was acceptable, but publicly announcing it could spark competition among Tingyun and the others, leading to quite the mess.
Eventually, rather than vying for his affection as girlfriends, Tingyun, Xueyi, and the rest might start contesting who gets to be his mother, doting on him like their own son.
Hmm, that scenario... somehow sounds intriguingly stimulating?
Fu Xuan cautioned, "Alright then, just remember not to recognize anyone else as your mother."
Su Jinyan readily agreed.
Fu Xuan was well aware of his disciple's lack of moral restraint. Previously, Su Jinyan had even claimed Kafka as his mother for some non-existent credits. If left unchecked, who knew how many mothers he'd end up with?
At that point, everyone might as well forget about playing along with notions of primary wives or being someone's unattainable ideal. Instead, they would simply introduce themselves by stating which numbered mother Su Jinyan recognized them as.
Fu Xuan could vividly imagine the scene: someday, due to unforeseen circumstances, everyone gathers together. Tingyun, unable to resist, proudly announces, "I must confess, recently, our dear Benefactor has acknowledged me as his mother. From now on, all of you should adjust how you address me accordingly."
To everyone's surprise, another chimes in, "Wait, how come you're also Su Jinyan's mom? Me too!"
Terrifying, absolutely terrifying.
Fu Xuan hastily shook his head, banishing those disturbing thoughts from his mind.
Such a scenario must never come to pass.
At the Divination Commission's library attic:
Bang!
Stelle slammed her hand on the table, leaning forward with a serious expression. "I foresee ominous signs surrounding this banquet."
Su Jinyan wore a faint smile. "A trap like the Feast of Hongmen?"
"Pardon me?" Stelle asked, puzzled.
"I mean, Kafka inviting us to the banquet likely harbors ill intent," Su Jinyan clarified with a sly grin. "What insights does Miss Strategist have?"
Stelle pondered for a moment. "We should attend the banquet; it presents an opportunity to win over the Silver Wolf."
"Ah, I see your cunning abilities at work—you're practically a walking, shameless human cannon." Su Jinyan remarked dryly.
Stelle's eyes lit up with excitement. "If you can sway the Silver Wolf and make her ally with us..."
"When Kafka tries anything treacherous, we'll be three against one—defeating her would be as easy as flipping a palm."
Su Jinyan shook his head slightly. "Don't perceive Kafka as merely your imagined adversary. And please don't think of me as that shamelessly despicable."
"I must attend this banquet. Only by going will we uncover what Kafka is truly up to."
Stelle scrutinized him suspiciously. "Have I misjudged you? Surely you aren't uninterested in the Silver Wolf?"
Su Jinyan remained composed, without a hint of blush or hesitation. "Not interested at all."
"And indeed, it's time I temper my nature somewhat," he added. "Look, even you harbor such misconceptions about me, let alone others."
Expressionless, Stelle parted her lips, ready to speak. "Bullsh*t—"
Su Jinyan cut in, exasperated, "Are you f*cking kidding me? You're like a human polygraph!"
As night deepened, Su Jinyan and Stelle arrived as planned at Kafka's residence within the Exalting Sanctum.
Knock, knock, knock!
Su Jinyan pulled on the door ring, announcing their presence with loud raps.
Kafka approached leisurely, smiling softly. "Welcome, esteemed guests. The banquet is ready."
"The wait has been truly long and agonizing; I almost thought you wouldn't make it."
Confused, Stelle asked, "Was our arrival not accounted for in Elio's script?"
Kafka pursed her lips slightly. "Whether you come or not isn't determined by the script, but by Diviner Su's will."
"If Diviner Su had chosen not to attend, today's meticulously prepared banquet would have gone to waste."
Su Jinyan explained, "Originally, I sealed Phantylia within Dan Shu's body."
"Until the special prison is completed, to avoid any mishaps, she couldn't leave my side even for a moment."
"But this was quite inconvenient; constantly having Phantylia accompany me wasn't practical either."
"So, each day, I must exert some effort to temporarily render Phantylia unconscious."
"This delay has caused some inconvenience."
Curious, Stelle asked, "Isn't Phantylia of Heliobus affinity? How did you make her faint?"
Kafka smiled softly, intentionally changing the subject. "Please come inside; we mustn't neglect our esteemed guests."
She was determined to shield this pure-hearted girl from being tainted by Diviner Su's peculiar influence. If not for Stelle's lingering suspicions, Kafka would have urged her to stay far away from Su Jinyan, as distant as possible.
With graceful poise, Kafka led the way, elegantly pushing open the main hall door.
The aroma wafted through the hall, where an exquisite rectangular dining table was set with savory dishes such as pan-fried steaks, sugar-glazed almonds, cream mushroom soup, and sweet baked snails - all high-quality fare.
"Ah, ah... you've arrived at just the right time..."
Hearing the door open, Silver Wolf hastily hid her small hands behind her back. She had secretly grabbed a sugar-glazed almond, ready to pop it into her mouth, completely caught off guard by Su Jinyan's unexpected entrance.
Kafka sure had impeccable timing—couldn't they have chatted a bit longer?
The corners of Kafka's lips curved slightly. "Diviner Su, upon hearing you were coming, Silver Wolf specially purchased an arcade machine."
"She's been preparing to challenge you tonight, honing her gaming skills for quite some time now."
"Really?" Su Jinyan felt his hands itching with anticipation; this was a rare opportunity to play face-to-face against Silver Wolf.
If she dared to cheat right in front of him, he wouldn't hesitate to call her out.
Silver Wolf hastily denied it, "Don't listen to Kafka's exaggerations."
"Firstly, I didn't buy the arcade machine just for you; I wanted one myself anyway."
"And besides, my gaming skills have always been excellent. Why would I need practice?"
Su Jinyan retorted, "Enough talk. Tonight, let's make it a father-son match. Whoever loses has to call the other 'Dad,' and no cheating allowed."
A hint of amusement flickered in Silver Wolf's beautiful eyes. "Deal," she agreed. "This time, I'm determined to make you call me 'dad' fair and square."